Tuesday, February 9, 2010

A heartfelt thank you

It's late and I need to get some sleep. But before I turn in, I just need to offer a gigantic thank you to everyone who has responded to my campaign to cover spring training. The response I've received over the last 16 hours has been both overwhelming and humbling.

And I'm not just talking in a financial sense, though the response

in that area has been staggering, as you can see from the embedded graphic. I'm equally appreciative, though, to all of you who have written to offer your support, either in the comments section of this site or privately through email. Many of you have never met me. Many of you have never even lived in Washington or have any connection whatsoever to the Nats. Your kindness has truly touched me, and I'm forever grateful for it.

I've tried to respond to as many of you as I can, but the inbox has been overflowing all day and I haven't been able to keep up. If I wasn't able to send you a personal response, my sincere apologies.

I do need to mention a few people by name, because they've played vital roles in making this happen and have gone above and beyond in the process...

First off, I need to mention C. Trent Rosecrans. Most of you probably don't know him, but he was actually the inspiration for this whole endeavor. Trent used to cover the Reds for the Cincinnati Post -- quite well, I might add -- only to find himself in a similar situation to mine when that paper folded altogether. He has since created a website that puts mine to shame: CNATI, which covers the Cincinnati sports scene the way it should be covered. Last month, Trent decided to start a campaign to send him to Goodyear, Ariz., for Reds camp, and his readers responded with the same kind of support I've experienced today. He's already surpassed his goal, but I know he's still looking for more help because he's actually got a staff at his site. Even if you don't contribute, make a point to check out the site because it's an impressive effort.

Second, I need to mention Brian Oliver of Nats Farm Authority, Steven Biel of FJB and Mike Harris, aka the NatsFanboyLooser. In addition to writing three of the most informative and most entertaining blogs in NatsTown, Brian, Steven and Mike have been instrumental in the launching of this site and of the spring training campaign. They've not only helped spread the word to their readers but they've also helped push me to give this thing a shot. In addition to being fine writers and baseball fans, they've been good friends throughout this process.

Third, I want to thank Keith Law of ESPN.com and Dave Cameron of FanGraphs. I've never met either gentleman before, but each made a point to get in a touch with me today wanting to spread the word to their readers, who have responded with the same kind of generosity exhibited by Nats fans. I'm grateful to both, as well as to several other sportswriter friends of mine who have been in touch today and offered their support.

And last, but most definitely not least, I must thank the real driving force of this whole operation: my wife Rachel. I've written about her a few times in the past, but it needs to be repeated: I wouldn't amount to anything without her. She has stood beside me throughout the ups and downs of the last two months, my strongest supporter by leaps and bounds. Anytime I start to question whether this really is a good idea, she immediately sets me straight and insists I go through with it. Whoever came up with the term "better half" most certainly had her for inspiration.

OK, enough sentimental stuff. Time to steer this blog back to its intended subject: baseball. I'll do that tomorrow (er, at this point, I guess later today) but I'll be sure to keep the running tally and link to the donations site up throughout.

Looks like you're almost there, depending which browser one is using. Congrats!

I do have one eensy little favor to ask as a subsidizing member. ;-) Would it be possible to have the MASN links go to Nats stories only, or does it automatically pick up the newest posting to the entire site? Thanks for listening.

Congrats Mark....take a look over tot he right of this page at the "latest" Nats Journal posting....over 4 days ago.....just kill it WPost the current effort is so disrespectful of Barry's founding work.

Hey folks, sorry I've taken so long to respond. Been running around all day taking care of errands in between blizzards and taking lots of calls/emails from well-wishers. So...

-- Adam Kennedy hasn't taken his physical yet, so his deal isn't official. Considering the weather, I think it will be at least a couple more days til it happens, which buys the Nats time to make the 40-man roster move.

-- The Nats do have serious interest in Wang, though he's not expected to be ready to pitch by Opening Day. If they make that move, it'll be more with the future in mind than a quick stop-gap until Strasburg arrives.

-- Not sure yet how the overflow money will be used. I have to figure out exactly what the total spring training cost will be, then figure out what I'm doing once the regular season begins. If it's feasible to apply the funds towards some future road trips, I'm all for it!

-- I know it's getting repetitive, but another round of sincere thanks to everyone. I'm speechless.

Syracuse Chiefs: We're trying to gauge interest in hosting an Indoor Tailgate Party at the ballpark before the Crunch Outdoor Game. We'd provide food, transportation, and ticket (if you need one). Would you attend?

___________________________________________________________________

Anyone here interested .... ????

Early Strasburg and Storen potential sighting with the Chiefs ... when they say indoor it may mean in the early (still with cold and snow) months ... brrrrr ....)

Mark, Let me add my congratulations for meeting this first goal. It takes courage to ask for help, but I think the truth of the matter is we liked being asked because it gave us information on what we could do. Yes, we want what you're selling, but it's more than that.

Zuck, can you please not add to the horrible double-entendre laden headlines we have seen regarding Chien Ming Wang? First "Nats aggresively persuing Wang" by Ladson and now "A Wang worth the wait" by Phil Wood... For the love of editing people!!!!

Also, its kinda been flying under the radar but the Arbitration hearings should be coming up in the next week... Any words on whether the nats have been discussing anything with the few that havent agreed to terms?

Will you accept Cubs fans as a fan of your blog? I read about your plight in the Washington Post this morning and stories like this kinda get to me. I'll check with my financial advisor (I mean wife) and see what we can donate.

Looking forward to your posts! And to baseball season finally starting!!

I have never met you but admire what you are doing here. As someone who is still trying to stay in the sportswriting game (doing freelance work while holding down a 9-5 job in PR), this endeavor is a great idea and I look forward to following it in the coming months.

Congrats on the successful fundraising. Planning on making trip to Viera for a couple games, staying in Cocoa Beach. Do you plan to develop a "Viera Visitors Tips" re: best lodging, bars, good way to see & speak w. Nats Players. Thanks

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About the Author

Mark Zuckerman has covered the Nationals since the franchise arrived in D.C. He's been a member of the Baseball Writers' Association of America since 2001 and is a Hall of Fame voter. Email mzuckerman@comcastsportsnet.com.